Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann conceded his side's Nations League defeat to Portugal was "one of our worst matches in the last 18 months". 

Florian Wirtz had nodded Germany in front at the Allianz Arena in the 48th minute, heading past Diogo Costa to edge closer to a place in Sunday's final. 

However, two goals in five minutes from substitute Francisco Conceicao and captain Cristiano Ronaldo sealed the victory for Roberto Martinez's side. 

Portugal had lost their last five meetings with Germany ahead of Wednesday's game, with each of those losses coming at major tournaments (2006 World Cup, Euro 2008, Euro 2012, 2014 World Cup and Euro 2020).

But they were worthy victors this time around, ending the contest with an expected goals (xG) of 2.92 from their 17 shots to Germany's 1.11 from their nine attempts. 

Germany will face the loser of the other semi-final between Spain and France in the third-place match, and Nagelsmann wants to see an improved display from his team. 

"Portugal were the better side," Nagelsmann said. "If we are not working at 100 percent, then we cannot keep up with the top nations.

"We did not have the activity, the energy we had in the last few months today; this was one of our worst matches in the last 18 months."

Nagelsmann acknowledged that his side were the better team in the first half, but conceded that following Wirtz's opener, they were unable to hammer home their advantage. 

"In the first half, we played well, even if it ended 0-0. [In the second half], we did not show a great presence in terms of our possession of the ball.

"We did not maintain the same nerve we had defensively in the prior matches."

The 37-year-old was also asked whether Germany's defeat was down to a lack of attitude from the team as a collective, something Nagelsmann strongly denied. 

"No. Attitude - that is a very big word. We still had a decent team on the field, but the activity was not 100 percent there.

"As you see, it only says 2-1, but it felt like a 3-0 victory for them - we were quite tired."

Joshua Kimmich echoed the sentiments of his head coach, with his 100th appearance for Germany overshadowed by their semi-final exit from the Nations League. 

As well as grabbing the assist for Wirtz's header, Kimmich also posted a joint-team-high total for chances created (three, level with Leroy Sane). 

"We deservedly led 1-0, but then we stopped playing," Kimmich said. "If we give 100 percent in everything we do, then we will be one of the top teams in Europe.

"That is a great learning experience. We can draw a lot from that - we were not active enough both in possession and without possession of the ball, so we must have everyone playing to their limit to be able to compete, otherwise we would need a lot of luck to advance."